For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. (Heb. 5:13 NKJ)
When we were born again, we were born into God’s family as newborns or babes in Christ. We were infants that needed to be cared for. The Lord then instructed us to drink milk so that we could grow out of infancy into adolescence, and then finally adulthood.
Sadly, however, some believers remain babes in Christ for all of their Christian journey.
The verse above gives us one of the many characteristics of babes in Christ outlined in the scripture. It says babes are “unskilled in the Word of righteousness.” The word “unskilled” also means “inexperienced,” “unaccustomed,” or “unacquainted” with the Word. Babes, therefore, are inexperienced at understanding deep spiritual truths and so cannot put God’s Word to work effectively.
For example, there are Christians who can only understand the message of repentance from sin because they still need to be reminded that sin is destructive. That is their level. If you teach them deeper truths about the mysteries of Christ, it may sound like fables to them. This is one of the signs of spiritual infancy.
The Bible contains truths for babes (milk) and truths for the mature ones (meat.) Hence, the next verse of Hebrews 5 above says, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Do not remain at the same spot you were in when you became born again. God wants you to grow, just as every earthly parent wants to see their child grow. Desire the sincere milk of the word so that you may grow in it and then start eating meat!
MEDITATE
What other characteristic of babes in Christ is presented in 1 Cor. 3:1?
APPLY THE WORD
Think for a moment. Are you still in spiritual infancy, or maybe adolescence? Or are you in adulthood?
PRAY
Ask the Spirit to help you grow in your life by giving you a desire for His Word and for fellowship with Him in prayer.
Recommended Read: Feed and Grow to Maturity
Must Read: What is a Daily Devotional?
4 Comments
Enjoyed the lesson. I’m a pastor trying to keep saints encouraged during this time of up heavale. Help on hebrews 6,1,2
Dear Pastor Fisher. Pleased to know this article was a blessing to you.Please clarify the question: is that Hebrews 6:12? Any specific questions you want me to address?
This message is very helpful.
Glad to know. Thank you for the feedback.Praise the Lord indeed!